My Focus of Faith

If my faith is never tested, it could hardly be said to exist.

There’s no better opportunity to make that case than today. Look around. The highest hurdle in the race to overcome sinful behavior has always been the shroud of deception surrounding it. And the Deceiver knows that the sheer volume of deception enhances its effectiveness.

It’s hard to ignore the force of a fire hose.

In his battle to overcome the world, there isn’t a catch-all solution for Jesus Christ’s faithful disciple to apply in every situation. Indeed, the King of Kings shall ultimately prevail over evil and rule justly, making all things right when He returns to the Earth.

But I can’t fix everything around me now.

That’s not to say I shouldn’t try. The Bible reveals that God works in the lives of both those who love Him as well as those who don’t. So, since discipleship is a skill to develop, perhaps I’d do well to learn when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.

But what can I take to the bank?

At the end of the day, what can I do to remain confident as I continue to stand up to all the depravity and immorality the world tries to shove down my throat?

Here’s an idea. In his letter to the saints in Christ Jesus who [were] in Philippi, the apostle Paul exhorted them to “…rejoice in the Lord always” more than once! [see: vss. 3:1, 4:4]

But there’s more, folks.

Paul had tremendous confidence in the things he’d “learned and received” from the Lord, otherwise, he wouldn’t have suggested that the readers take them to heart as well. He also reminded them that there are always things worth focusing on—regardless of the circumstances:

“Finally, brethren, whatever is True, whatever is hOnorable, whatever is Right, whatever is Pure, whatever is Lovely, whatever is Admirable—if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” [Phil. 4:8-9]

I found a way to remember them: T O R P L A.